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Social Programs
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INCOME
SECURITY
What kinds of' income security benefits are available?
Governments at the federal, provincial and municipal level help
people who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.
Special programs help people in different circumstances, such
as: raising children (Child Tax Benefits), retirement (Canada
Pension/Quebec Pension, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income
Supplement), job-related injuries (Workers' Compensation), the
loss of a job (Employment Insurance), longer-term unemployment
(Social Assistance).
Who can receive income security benefits?
Most benefits are for people in specific circumstances. You
must qualify for each type of government assistance. For some
benefits, you must pay into the plan to be eligible to receive
them. Sometimes, a person or family may qualify for more than
one kind of income security, but each has separate application
or procedures and rules to ensure that benefits only go to those
who need them. To qualify for any benefits, you must have a
Social Insurance Number.
What is a Social insurance Number (SIN)?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is an identification number
given to each person for the purposes of income tax, Employment
Insurance, old age pension, etc. Most newcomers receive an application
form for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) when they first arrive
in Canada. If you did not get one, you can apply at any Human
Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC). You will need to show your
birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing)
and passport. There is a small administrative fee. Forms are
also available at Canada Post offices and through many immigrant-serving
agencies.
 CHILD
TAX BENEFITS
The federal government provides monthly payments to parents
or guardians on behalf of children under the age of 18, through
a program called the Child Tax Benefit. It is usually paid
to the mother of the child if the child lives with her. The
amount is different according to family income, number of
children and their ages.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for the Child Tax Benefit you must be the
parent or guardian of the child who lives with you. In addition,
you or your spouse must he either a: Canadian citizen, Permanent
resident, Convention refugee in Canada whose refugee status
has been confirmed by the Immigration Refugee Board, or Visitor
or holder of a Minister's Permit under the Immigration Act,
who has lived at least 1 8 continuous months in Canada before
applying for the Benefit.
How do you apply?
Send an application form to Revenue Canada, Taxation and show
documents such as Record of Landing or passport. Proof of
birth must also be provided for each child. You may also contact
a Client Service Centre, Income Security Program, Human Resources
Development Canada. For further information, look in the government
pages of your telephone book.
OLD
AGE SECURITY, GUARANTEED INCOME SUPPLEMENT AND SPOUSE'S ALLOWANCE
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is given to people 65 and
over who meet residence requirements. Those who have little
or no other income may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income
Supplement (GIS). The spouse (between the ages of 60 and 64)
of a low income or deceased pensioner may qualify for the
Spouse's Allowance (SPA).
Who is eligible?
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has
lived in Canada for 40 years after the age of I 8, you are
eligible for a full OAS pension. People who have lived in
Canada for less than 40 years may get a reduced pension. Permanent
residents from some countries may be able to receive old age
security from their previous country of residence. Guaranteed
Income Supplement (GIS) and Spouse's Allowance (SPA) are available
to people who can prove they need the money.
How do you apply?
You can apply to a client Service Centre, Income Security
Program Branch of Human Resources Development Canada. You
will find these listed in the government pages of the telephone
book. You will need a birth or baptismal certificate, passport
or Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing).
CANADA
AND QUEBEC PENSION PLANS
Canada and Quebec Pension Plans are a form of insurance to
which people must contribute during their working years, to
receive monthly payments starting at age 65. A reduced pension
is available at age 60. These plans also include survivor's
pensions for the spouses of deceased pensioners, disability
pensions and children's and death benefits.
Who is eligible?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, visitors and holders
of a Minister's Permit who have been legally admitted to Canada
for one year, whose income that year was subject to Canadian
income tax and who contributed to the plan. The amount paid
out will depend on the total amount contributed.
How do you apply?
You can apply to a Client Service Centre, Income Security
Programs, Human Resources Development Canada. You will find
these listed in the government pages of the telephone book.
You will need a birth or baptismal certificate, passport or
Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing).
EMPLOYMENT
INSURANCE
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you have made payments to Employment Insurance
(El) while you were working over a minimum time, and if you
lose your job through no fault of your own. You may also be
eligible for benefits if your reason of unemployment is the
birth or adoption of a child, enrolment in a national training
program, work sharing or job training.
How do you apply?
You must apply to the Human Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC)
nearest you. Consult the government directory pages of the
telephone book.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
Social Assistance, often called welfare, helps people in need
who are not eligible for other benefits. Benefit payments help
pay for food, shelter, fuel, clothing, prescription drugs, and
other health services. Eligibility rules and the size of payment
are different from region to region. In some cases, you may
be eligible for programs to train you for the work that is available.
Social Assistance is usually administered though local offices
of the provincial or municipal departments of social services.
Workers's Compensation People injured while at work may be eligible
to receive financial benefits, medical and rehabilitative services.
The provincial Workers' Compensation Board offices decide if
you qualify for compensation, based on medical reports and proof
that your injury was work-related.
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Applying For SIN
 How
do I apply for a Social Insurance Number card?
When
is a fee charged?
What
documents must I provide?
What
is a supporting document and when is it needed?
What
is the importance of the name appearing on a Social Insurance
Number card?
Can
I apply by mail?
What
do I do if my S.I.N. card is lost or stolen?
How
long will it take to receive my card?
S.I.N.
and fraud
Privacy
facts - Who can ask me for my SIN?
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A: How do I apply
for a Social Insurance Number card?
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) encourages you to
apply for your Social Insurance Number in person at a Human
Resources Centre of Canada (HRCC), formerly the Canada Employment
Centre. This process is faster and more convenient, as it
does not require you to part with your valuable identity documents
or pay for getting photocopies of documents notarized. You
may also apply by mail. To apply for a Social Insurance Number,
you must complete an application form and provide an original
or true certified copy of a document that proves your identity
and status in Canada (this is called a primary document).
You must also provide a supporting document if the name on
your primary document is different from the one you are currently
using.
Application forms may be picked up at your local HRCC, or
you may download one in a PDF format from this site (you will
require Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out and print this form).
It is important that documents are originals or true certified
copies and that they are written in English or French.
A: When is a fee
charged?
No fee is charged for an initial application for a Social
Insurance Number card. A $10 fee is charged for the replacement
of a Social Insurance Number card, except if the card must
be replaced because of a legal name change. If payment is
required, personal cheques, bank drafts or money orders should
be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada. Cash should
never be sent by mail, but is accepted at any HRCC.
A: What documents
must I provide?
All individuals must submit a primary document as outlined
below. If the name you are now using is different than the
name appearing on that document, you must also provide a Supporting
Document. All documents provided must be originals. Photocopies
are not acceptable unless certified by a notary public, a
commissioner of oaths, or an HRCC officer. If you cannot provide
any of these documents, you should call the phone number listed
under Social Insurance Numbers in the Government of Canada
pages of your local telephone book. This service can suggest
other documents.
Primary Documents Required
Select the category that best describes your status:
Canadian Citizen born in Canada
Registered Indian
Canadian Citizen born outside of Canada
Permanent Resident
none of the above
If you are a Canadian Citizen born in Canada, you must submit
one of these documents:
- Canadian provincial birth certificate (issued by the Vital
Statistics branch of the province or territory of birth).
- Canadian Passport. For information on how to obtain this
document, look in your local telephone book in the Government
of Canada listings, under Foreign Affairs and International
Trade .
- If you were born and baptized in Quebec, you may submit
a baptismal certificate if it was issued before January 1,
1994.
- If you were born and baptized in Newfoundland, you may submit
a baptismal certificate or a Certificate of Dedication.
- If you are a Registered Indian, you must submit a birth
certificate. Please note that if you wish to be recorded as
"Registered Indian", you must also provide your Certificate
of Indian Status (issued by the Department of Indian and Northern
Affairs of Canada ).
If you are a Canadian Citizen born outside of Canada, you
must submit one of these documents:
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. For information on
how to obtain this document, look in your local telephone
book in the Government of Canada listings, under Citizenship
and Immigration Canada.
- Canadian Passport. For information on how to obtain this
document, look in your local telephone book in the Government
of Canada listings, under Foreign Affairs and International
Trade
If you are a Permanent Resident, you must submit one of these
documents:
- Canadian Immigration Record and Visa or Record of Landing
(form IMM 1000).
- Confirmation of Landing Document. Canada Travel Document.
- Canadian Certificate of Identity.
- Foreign passport stamped "Permanent Resident" by Canadian
Immigration officials.
- Returning Resident Permit.
For information on how to obtain one of these documents, look
in your local telephone book in the Government of Canada listings,
under Citizenship and Immigration Canada .
If you are not a Canadian Citizen, Status Indian, or Permanent
Resident you must submit one of these documents:
- Visitor Record
- Employment Authorization
- Student Authorization
- Permit to come into or to remain in Canada
- Extension of Permit
- Local Visitor Control Department of Foreign Affairs identity
card
- Unexpired foreign passport containing courtesy or diplomatic
visa stamp
- Refugee Status Claim
For information on how to obtain one of these documents, refer
to your local telephone book in the Government of Canada listings,
under Citizenship and Immigration Canada .
A: Supporting Documents
Required
If the name on your primary document differs from the one
you are now using, you must also submit an original or true
certified copy of one of the following documents, depending
on the reason for the change in name: Name changed by marriage
Canadian marriage certificate Foreign marriage certificate
(must be translated into English or French) Divorce decree
Name changed by law Certificate or court order made under
a provincial change of name act or under similar legislation
If you do not have any of these documents, please contact
us so that we may suggest other acceptable documents.
A: Importance of
the names on your Social Insurance Number card
It is important that the names and Social Insurance Number
under which you are working are identical to the name and
Social Insurance Number that appear on your S.I.N. card. This
will ensure that your Canada and/or Qu¨¦bec Pension Plan contributions
are properly credited to you.
A: Applying for a
Social Insurance Number by Mail
To apply for a Social Insurance Number by mail, you must mail
your completed application form, identity document(s), and
fee for replacement card (if applicable) to: Social Insurance
Registration P.O. Box 7000 Bathurst, N.B. E2A 4T1 Your document(s)
will be returned with your Social Insurance Number card. Please
note that we are not responsible for lost documents, we suggest
that these documents be certified.
A: What do I do
if my S.I.N. card is lost or stolen?
If your S.I.N. card is lost or stolen, contact us. We will
be able to provide guiadance as to applying for a S.I.N. card,
based on your individual circumstances.
A: How long will it
take to receive my card?
If your application can be processed, you will receive your
card in the mail in approximately three weeks.
A: S.I.N. and fraud
S.I.N. fraud is serious. It is everyone's responsibility to
help detect and deter S.I.N. fraud. With respect to S.I.N.
applications the Employment Insurance Act makes it an offense
to: knowingly apply for more than one Social Insurance Number;
use someone else's number to deceive and defraud; loan or
sell a Social Insurance Number or a S.I.N. card to deceive
or defraud; manufacture a S.I.N. card The penalty for any
of these offenses is a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment
for up to one year, or both. If you have made an honest mistake
when applying for a S.I.N., it is not too late to provide
correct information. Under our disclosure policy, we can waive
any prosecution, if the matter is not already under investigation.
Don't let an honest mistake cost you.
A: Privacy facts -
Who can ask me for my SIN?
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner deals with this kind
of question. Please visit The Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Web site.
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Health
care in Canada
Newcomers to Canada may face barriers to proper health care
such as language, low income, cultural sensitivities and immigration
or refugee status.For instance, in Ontario, Community Health
Centres (CHCs) offer health care services to people who might
otherwise not get the help they need.
Medical Examination for Immigrants and Refugees Immigrants,
refugees, and some visitors to Canada must pass a medical examination.
The examination must be performed by a doctor who is on Citizenship
and Immigration Canada's list of designated medical practitioners
(DMPs). There are DMPs in Canada and in countries around the
world. You must take the examination before you enter Canada
unless you are visiting in Canada and apply for landed immigrant
status with the sponsorship of a family member you claim refugee
status from within Canada.
To pass the examination you must not have a health condition
that is of danger to public health or safety or would place
excessive demands on health or social services in Canada. For
example, a person who has tuberculosis or who is being treated
for cancer will not be accepted.
Health Insurance
Canada's national health care system is known as Medicare. Medicare
is a network of health insurance plans that are managed by Canada's
ten provinces and three territories. These plans must meet standards
that are set by the Government of Canada.
Residents of Ontario are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance
Plan (OHIP). There is usually a three-month waiting period from
the time you arrive in Ontario until you are covered. During
this period, you are encouraged to buy health insurance from
a private company. When your application for OHIP has been accepted,
you will receive a Health Card. You will need to show your Health
Card every time you visit your doctor. If your doctor prescribes
medication, you can buy it at a drug store or pharmacy. OHIP
does not pay for prescriptions. Your employer may offer a group
insurance plan that will cover some of the cost, or you can
buy an individual plan from a private company.
Health Professionals
Most Canadians see a family doctor or general practitioner ("GP").
Family doctors diagnose and treat most medical problems. If
you have a specific health problem, your family doctor may refer
you to a specialist. Choose from these sub-topics to learn how
you can find different types of health professionals, including
family doctors, dentists, optometrists and psychologists. As
a health care consumer, you have both rights and responsibilities.
Your right to receive safe and proper care is balanced by your
responsibility to participate in health care decisions and follow
instructions for taking medication.
Emergency Services
If you are very sick or injured, you can go to the emergency
department of the nearest hospital. Take your Health Card with
you. If you need an ambulance, call 9-1-1. This service is available
in most areas in Ontario. If your area does not have this service,
look in the front of your local telephone book under "Emergency
Numbers." You must pay for ambulance service in full if it was
not essential for you to take it.
Community and Public Health
Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide health care and education
to people who may otherwise have difficulty getting the help
or information they need. For newcomers to Canada, barriers
to proper health care can include language, low income, cultural
sensitivities and immigration or refugee status. You may be
eligible for services at a CHC even if you do not have a Health
Card. The public health care system in Ontario focuses on the
health of whole communities rather than individuals. For example,
public health professionals monitor the population for outbreaks
of diseases such as influenza (flu). They also play an important
role in educating youth and adults about sexual and reproductive
health. The community care system in Ontario provides health
care to people of all ages who require assistance but want to
stay in their homes rather than go to a hospital or other institution.
Forty-three Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) coordinate
community care services across the Province. CCACs also offer
placement services for long-term care facilities such as nursing
homes.
Alternative Health
Many Canadians use services that are not part of the main health
care system. Alternative health approaches are often well-established
in countries outside Canada and include such things as chiropractic,
naturopathy, and acupuncture. The cost of these services may
be covered in part by OHIP or not at all. Individual and group
insurance plans cover some treatments by regulated professionals.
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Health
Card How do you obtain medical services?
How
do you get a health card?
Who
can apply for a new Health Card?
Who
can apply for a replacement Health Card?
How
to apply for a new photo Health Card?
Your
children and the Health Care Systeme
Who
is eligible to receive a health card?
How
soon are you eligible?
Is
your health card accepted throughout Canada?
How
are medical services paid for?
What
medical services are NOT covered?
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A:
How do you obtain medical services?
Medical services are available from hospitals, doctors and other
health care providers. Persons without health insurance coverage
are charged directly for these services. Insurance coverage
for essential medical services is available to all Canadian
citizens and permanent residents. Each person carries a personal
health card which must be shown at the reception desk of the
doctor or hospital. Each province has its own particular requirements
to obtain a health insurance card so it is important to contact
a provincial ministry of health office in the province you reside.
A: How do you get a
health card?
You can apply for a health card at the provincial ministry of
health office in your city. You will find the address in the
provincial government listings in your telephone book. Take
with you your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record
of Landing) and passport. Some provinces also request further
documentation showing your name and address and your signature.
All members of your family must have their own coverage. Take
their documents with you, and ask the government officer for
information about registering them.
A: Who can apply for
a new Health Card?
- former residents returning to live in Ontario - new Ontario
residents who meet eligibility requirements for OHIP coverage.
A: Who can apply for
a replacement Health Card?
- people whose Health Card has been lost, stolen or damaged
- people reporting a change of personal information.
Note: If you already have a photo health card, you may not have
to visit a Ministry of Health office. Please call your local
office for information.
A: How to apply for
a new photo Health Card?
You must go to a Ministry of Health office to apply. Before
you go, make sure you have all the documents you need. Whether
applying for a new or replacement Health Card, you must take
three original documents, one each from lists 1, 2 and . If
you are applying for a new Health Card, you must also fill in
a Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form. If you need
to replace your Health Card, you must also fill in a Change
of Information form. If you have a Health Card you must take
that as well.
The documents you must take with you
You will need three original documents.
1. To show your Canadian citizenship or immigration status,
bring the original of one of these documents:
- Birth Certificate from a Canadian province, territory or the
Department of National Defence Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
or Certificate of Naturalization (paper document or card, not
commemorative issue)
- Current Canadian Passport (or expired passport issued Feb.
15, 1977, or later),
- Certified Statement of Live Birth from a Canadian province
or territory, Certificate of Baptism or equivalent if born in
Quebec (prior to January 1994) or Newfoundland.
- Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
- Registered Indian Record (certified)
- Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing
- Canadian Immigration Identification card
- Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
- Convention Refugee Determination Division letter
- Minister's Permit (exceptions may apply)
- Employment Authorization (exceptions may apply).
2. To show you live in Ontario, bring a current original document
with your name and home address on it. It can be one of these:
valid Ontario Driver's Licence or Temporary Driver's Licence
Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions) bank
account statement (savings or chequing account, not automatic
teller receipts) utility bill (telephone, cable TV, public utilities
commission, hydro, gas, water) mortgage, rental or lease agreement
income tax assessment insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or
life) employer record (pay stub or letter from employer), Certificate
of Age of Majority card school, college or university report
card or transcript Statement of Old Age Security T4A(OAS) or
Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A(P) Statement of
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Paid T4U Workers' Compensation
Board Statement of Benefits T5007 Child Tax Benefit statement
letter from Indian band administrator Statement of Direct Deposit
for Ontario family benefits allowance, Your Canada Pension Plan
Statement of Contributions statement of Registered Retirement
Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial
institution (bank, trust company, credit union) property tax
bill letter from an administrator of an agency for convention
refugees or for the homeless letter from an administrator of
a publicly funded long-term care facility.
3. To show you are the person you say you are, bring the original
of a document with your name and signature. It can be one of
these: Social Insurance Number card credit card or bank card
current employee ID student ID card union card library card
certified Statement of Marriage from the Registrar General of
Ontario or a marriage certificate from anywhere else valid Ontario
Driver's Licence or Temporary Driver's Licence Ontario motor
vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions) Certificate of Canadian
Citizenship (plastic card) passport (Canadian or foreign) Canadian
Immigration Identification card current professional association
licence. Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
Old Age Security card Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Outdoors card
You cannot use the same document twice. For example, if you
use your driver's licence for section 2, you can't use it again
for section 3. You may be asked for additional documents. For
example, if your name has changed, you may need to provide a
marriage certificate or a change of name certificate.
A: Your children
If your children are 15 1/2 years or younger, apply for their
health coverage at the same time you apply for your own. The
children don't have to go with you because they won't have a
photo on their card. All you will need is a document from list
1 for each child. Children older than 15 1/2 years must register
in person because they will have a photo and signature on their
card. They will need three original documents in their name,
one each from lists 1, 2 and 3.
A: Who is eligible to
receive a health card?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible in all
provinces. Certain persons in Canada for a temporary period
of time (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a Minister's permit,
foreign students, and refugees whose status has been confirmed
by the Immigration Refugee Board) are also eligible in some
provinces. Essential health care services are available to refugee
claimants through the Interim Federal Health Program at Citizenship
and Immigration Canada.
A: How soon are you
eligible?
Permanent residents are eligible immediately, except in British
Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick where there is a three-month
waiting period. Persons in Canada temporarily and holding Immigration
Canada documentation (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a
Minister's permit and foreign students) have different waiting
periods, depending on the province. For more information, contact
the provincial ministry of health.
A: Is your health card
accepted throughout Canada?
For permanent residents, your health card is primarily for use
in the province you live in. if you move to another province,
reapply as soon as possible. There are waiting periods before
you can be covered, although you are covered by the health plan
of the province you left for a certain amount of time. If you
are visiting another province, your card can be used in an emergency.
Residents residing in a province for a temporary period should
contact the provincial health insurance plan office in the province,
of permanent residence for further clarification concerning
their coverage throughout Canada.
A: How are medical services
paid for?
Most medical services are paid for by various tax measures.
Basic hospital charges and doctors' fees are covered. Two provinces
charge premiums (British Columbia and Alberta). In general,
insured services are provided on a prepaid basis, i.e. provincial
plans pay the hospital or doctor directly for services they
provide to eligible residents.
A: What medical services
are NOT covered?
Provinces do not pay for services that are medically unnecessary,
such as cosmetic surgery. Some provinces provide coverage for
non-medical service coverage, such as prescription drugs and
assistive devices. These may require a co-payment by the patient.
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